Birth Center

Today, women have more options than ever to find and select a suitable birth process. Options include increasing numbers of hospitals, obstetricians, and midwives that are offering women the choice of having a baby at a birth center. For women with a low risk pregnancy who desire a more natural birth experience, a birth center might be the solution. It is always best to research the birthing centers in your location to find one that best meets your needs. If you are one of the many women weighing the pros and cons of home birth, or if you and your partner have a desire to compromise on a birth location, a birthing center can be a good option.

Find a Birth Center in your area

What should you expect from a birth center?

Relaxed and warm atmosphere

The option of returning home shortly after the birth

A team of health care providers that can include nurse-midwives, direct-entry midwives, or nurses working with an obstetrician

The facility may be free-standing, on hospital grounds or inside a hospital.

Because birthing centers can vary significantly, you should become familiar with their philosophy of care, mission statement and objectives, and take the time to interview their personnel.

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Acceptable birth centers can be identified by the following:

No Induction

No augmentation of labor with Pitocin (oxytocin)

No electronic fetal monitoring except Doppler ultrasound

No drugs for pain relief except local analgesic to suture tears in the perineum

In many birth centers, the only equipment is oxygen and catheters used to clear a baby’s airways if necessary.

If the birth center is connected to a hospital, medical intervention can be a routine part of their care. When choosing a birth center connected to a hospital, ask if it has its own staff or is staffed by hospital personnel. You might also want to know when and how often the birthing center would rely on the assistance of hospital personnel.

Women are designed to give birth. Consequently, some women prefer not to view labor and birth as a medical condition, but rather as the culmination of a beautiful and natural nine-month process. Birthing centers are typically committed to providing prenatal care and educating women in order to optimize their personal birth experience.

Your Next Steps

Find a Birth Center in your area

Contact your local hospital to find out if they are affiliated with any birth centers

Follow American Pregnancy:

Find Healthcare Providers That Can Help You Through Your Pregnancy.

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